Aerator and fountain attachments for faucets

ABSTRACT

An aerator and fountain attachment which converts selectively an ordinary faucet into a drinking fountain and/or an aerating tap and with no moving parts. Flow directing channels are provided in a base element and the flow directing channels are aspirated through the base element. When specific aspiration is prevented the flow is shifted so that a portion of the flow is diverted from passing axially through the base element and is moved in a radial and upward disposition until aspiration is again permitted and then the flow is redirected in a normal aerating flow path through the attachment.

United States Patent Mich. 48063 Appl. No. 859,330 Filed Sept. 19, I969 Patented May 25, 197i AERATOR AND FOUNTAIN ATTACHMENTS FOR FAUCETS 7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 239/25 Int. Cl E03b 9/20 Field of Search 239/24, 25; 137/81.5

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1921 Williams Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King Assistant ExaminerThomas C. Culp, .lr.

Att0rneysMiller, Morriss, Pappas & McLeod and William J.

Morriss ABSTRACT: An aerator and fountain attachment which converts selectively an ordinary faucet into a drinking fountain and/or an aerating tap and with no moving parts. Flow directing channels are provided in a base element and the flow directing channels are aspirated through the base element. When specific aspiration is prevented the flow is shifted so that a portion of the flow is diverted from passing axially through the base element and is moved in a radial and upward disposition until aspiration is again permitted and then the flow is redirected in a normal aerating flow path through the attachment.

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@4140 Z La a w/gwww ATTORNEYS AERATOR AND FOUNTAIN ATTACHMENTS FOR FAUCETS The present invention is an attachment for water faucets and is arranged so that the flow from the faucet can be directed upwardly in the manner of a drinking fountain by simple closure of an aspirating port by a finger or portion of the hand of the user and without any moving parts and without squeezing or deforming any of the parts. More particularly the invention is a combination aerator-drinking fountain in which directional flow can be selected by simple touching of an aspirating part and where the flow selection requires no mechanical valving elements.

THE PRIOR ART The prior art as known is represented in the work of Elves, U.S. Letters Pat. No. 2,996,257, showing a deformable casing; Brunetti, U.S. Letters Pat. No. 2,171,471 where larger flow converts to fountain use; Williams, U.S. Letters Pat. No. l,372,2l3, where constriction of tube diverts water to fountain; and Sha'mes, U.S. Letters Pat. No; 2,707,624 a liquid aerator with splash plug.

The present invention has as its principal object a flow diverting device which is selectively actuated without any moving parts and in which the channels and passages through which flow occurs are not deformed.

Another object is to provide a simple faucet attachable combination of aerator and drinking fountain which is simple and durable and includes no moving parts.

Still another object is to teach a split base element, one side having passages sunk into the face which is mated with the fiush fit fiat surface of the other side of the split base with consequent construction economy.

Still another object is to provide a fountain structure in which the drip draining of the faucet is avoided on faucet shutoff.

Another object is to provide a compact structure for attachment to faucets in which the passages are incised in one block which closes on another block and the two blocks comprising the base piece are then secured in a tapered sleeve including attachment means. Other objects including simplicity of construction and ruggedness of design will be appreciated by those skilled in the art as the description proceeds.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION In general the fountaimaerator attachment of the present invention comprises a base or body having a pair of passageways therethrough. The principal passageway enters at the top and exits at the bottom of the body or base element. The secondary passageway intersects the principal passageway and diverges therefrom in a radial manner and reverses its direction to exit from the side of the base element in an upward direction. A pair of aspirating openings are provided radially through the base element and these aspirating openings connect with the principal passageway substantially at the juncture of principal and secondary passageways. One aspirating passage or port is on the side of the principal passage above the secondary passageway, and the other aspirating passage or port is oppositely positioned. The aspirating ports extend through the base element or body and the drinking fountain control port is conveniently located for selected finger coverage.

Mounting provisions such as a threaded connection clamps or the like permit the fountain aerator to be secured to a faucet so that water moves through the attachment via the principal passageway which is configured, (while aspirating) to avoid any flow through the secondary passageway. However, this flow pattern is reconfigured when the aspirating port on the secondary passage side of the principal passage is closed. Flow is diverted through the secondary passage in such instance and that diverted portion of the flow is reversed and jetted upwardly and outwardly in the manner of a fountain so long as the aspirating port is closed as by a finger. Reopening of the aspirating port supplements the input air to the main stream and the flow pattern shifts back to the principal passageway. A plurality of spaced apart grids or screens are transversely positioned across the principal passageway and break up the flow of the water and admix the aspirated air in a highly efficient manner. The screens may be removed for cleaning.

By providing a cylindrical chamber adjacent the entry to the principal passage drip is avoided from the faucet. An enlargement of the principal passage may be accomplished by a supplemental passage connected around the principal passage in the manner of a bypass.

The passageways are preferably rectangular in cross section thereby allowing the passages to be simply milled or incised as by embossing, etching or by molding and casting. Then a mating element closes against the incised base element and against the land surfaces thereof to provide a simple seal secured as by cementing or the two elements may be crushed together using a taper sleeve mating with a tapered exterior. Connecting means are then provided in the base element or in the sleeve. The attachment is secured to a faucet as by threads or clamping means and whenever the faucet is turned on the aerator functions and the attachment is selectively available as a drinking fountain having no moving parts.

This construction is very suitably adapted to resin materials and can be easily disassembled for cleaning and since there are no moving parts the attachment is substantially fail-safe.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a water faucet having the drinking fountain attachment of the present invention connected thereto and showing the water coming out of the faucet.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the device seen in FIG. I but indicating a finger positioned over an aspirating port and indicating a partial diversion of water moving upwardly and outwardly from the attachment of the present invention to function as a drinking fountain.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the attachment of the present invention and indicating the exhaust port behind an aerator screen.

FIG. 4 is a section elevation view taken on the line IV-IV of FIG. 3 and indicating the incised passages in one element of a two element base of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a composite exploded elevation view of a tapered base comprising two matched parts and insertable in a tapered mating outer sleeve and threaded at the top for faucet attachment and the matched parts being provided with a plug thread to receive the screen retainer element.

FIG. 6 is another exploded view in a perspective sense of the structure seen in FIG. 5 but clearly illustrating the extension of a cylindrical opening below the entry of the principal passage in both mating pieces to avoid or suppress drip.

FIG. 7 is a structure generally in accord with FIGS. 5 and 6 but having slightly modified passages.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view in accord with the structure shown in FIG. 7.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, thereof a drinking fountain attachment 11 in accord with the present invention is shown secured to a spout 12 of the faucet 13. The attachment 1! comprises a body element 14 having selected openings therethrough and includes a connection 15, shown as threaded. The aspirating port 16 is visible exiting from the body 14 and the spray opening notch 17 can also be seen. As seen in FIG. I the faucet 13 is on and water is moving through the drinking fountain attachment II and the exiting stream of water 18 can be seen. In FIG. 2 the same attachment 11 has now been activated as a drinking fountain and to do so the user 19 has merely placed his finger 20 over the port 16 and flow of water is seen emitting from the notch 17 in a graceful arch as the drinking stream 21. The stream 21 moves upwardly and outwardly from the drinking fountain port. The diversion of the stream 21 from the exiting stream 13 is only partial so that the exit stream 18 continues, and as will be seen the exiting stream 18 is fully aerated.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the fountain attachment 11 and indicating the outer aerating screen 22 through which water is passed and admixed with aspirated air. FIG. 4, then, reveals the internal passages and porting within the body or base element 14 in accord with the present invention. In FIG. 3 the hidden edge lines indicate the orientation of the inner passages as seen in FIG. 4 and the case 14 is seen to comprise two contacting segments 23 and 24. In segment 24 the passages are incised as by milling, etching, molding, casting, or the like so that the land surfaces 25 are in a common plane. The plane surface 26 in the surface of the segment 23 will be seen to abut the land surfaces 25 in the segment 24. When the segments 23 and 24 are put together as seen in FIG. 3 the plane surfaces 25 and 26 are sealed together as by cementing, welding or pressure seal contact at the parting line indicated so that the passages as seen best in FIG. 4 are defined therein in avoidance of leakage.

The principal passage 30 passes generally axially through the segment 24 of the body 14 and possesses a generally rectangular cross section taken transversely of the flow direction therethrough. A secondary passage 31, (generally U- shaped) intersects the primary passage 30 below the neck portion 32 of the principal passage 30 and on the side of the principal passage 30 served by the fountain aspirating opening 116. Part of the flow diverting means including a knife edge 33 spaced slightly outboard of the normal fall of water from the neck portion 32 of passage 30, definesthe lower entry boundary of the secondary passage 31. The secondary passage 31 is slightly constricted at its lower point by the depending wall 34 and thereupon reverses its direction to the fountain port 35 located in the notch 17 and the port 35 having a knife edge constriction 36 inboard of the lower edge of the port 35. The sharp edge 36 prevents drip at shut off. A drain opening 37 is positioned at the lowest point of the secondary passage 31 and communicates with the principal passage 30 where the principal passage 30 bells out and expands below the passage 31. As will be seen, when the fountain control port I6 is open the reversed flow of the diverted fraction through passage 31 stops.

Opposite the aspirating port 16, where it contacts the principal passage 30 at the neck 32 a second aspirating passage or vent 38 is located. The aspirating passage 38 communicates with the principal passage 30 and runs upward and outward through body 14 or segment 24 to the atmosphere. Preferably the aspirating passage 38 penetrates the body 14 at some point where it is not confused with the fountain aspirating opening 16. For example it may be obsecured by ornamental design or positioned in a normally unaccessable portion of the outer surface.

Above the neck 32 of the passage 30 is a cylindrical enlargement or cavity 39 expanding the passage 30. Immediately adjacent and above cavity 39 is a restricted opening 40 to the principal passage 30. The function of the enlarged chamber in relation to the relatively smaller opening 46 is to prevent drip from the faucet (not shown) when the faucet is connected to flow into the principal passage 30. A liquid seal against drainage is provided by the small opening positioned in the flow line ahead of the layer cavity 39. Ideally the cavity 39 is partially formed in both segments 23 and 24. As will be noted, the cross section of the principal passage 3'1) increases from top to bottom in a slightly belling configuration to the drain chamber 41 between the secondary passage 31. The configuration assures that norrnal flow through the passage 30 will not enter the secondary passage 31 until the aspirating opening 16 is closed. A cavity 42 is provided in the lower portion of the attachment 11 and against the shoulder 43 which provides a thrust stop for the inner aerator screen 44, the spacer ring 45, and the outer aerating screen 22, the total aerating assembly being held in place by the threaded ring plug 46. For cleaning the aerator screens 44 and 22 the ring plug 46 is backed out of the cavity 42 on the threads 47 and the screens are thereupon easily removed. Note that the threaded connection 15 to the faucet 12 in FIG. 1 is not shown in the FIG. 4 in order to show that an outer threaded ring 48 (phantom line) is available as an adapter connector means.

When water is caused to flow into the top of the attachment 1 1 and generally axially through the entry 40 and the principal passage 30, the flowing water causes air to be sucked into and to enter the aspirating openings 16 and 38. Air is thus entrained with the flowing column of water and constricts the column of water against peripheral expansion at the neck 32. Hence when both aspirating openings 16 and 38 are working the water flows directly through the principal passage 30 and onto the aerator mixing screens 44 and 22 to exhaust from the body or base element 14 in an expanded aerated column. However, when the fountain aspirating opening 16 is closed the air pressure from the opposite aspirating opening 38 causes the flow of the stream of water in passage 30 to shift toward the secondary passage 31 in an abrupt proportioning cutoff defined by the knife edge 33. The water entering the secondary passage 31 reverses its direction and is projected upwardly and outwardly to exhaust through the port 35 and over the drip preventing lip or edge 36. Removal of the finger 20 (FIG. 2) closing the opening 16 restores the aspirating balance and the flow resumes through the principal passage 30 and flow through the secondary passage 31 is immediately terminated and water is drained therefrom through the drain passage 37. During usage as a fountain the air from aspirator opening 38 continues to merge with the stream and the emergent water is aerated on the screens 44 and 22. Inadvertent closure of the aspiration passage 38 has no effect on direction of water flow except that if both aspirating openings 16 and 38 are simultaneously closed then the quality of aeration is impaired.

In the FIGS. 5 and 6 the modified body 14 comprising segments 23' and 24 are tapered exteriorly as indicated and are inserted in a mating internally tapered sleeve 50 and the cap ring closure 51 extends axially into the body 14' which combines the segments 23' and 24' in plane facing relation and draws the body downward and forces the plane faces into sealing relation in the taper sleeve 50. Openings are provided through the sleeve to register with the fountain opening 35, and the aspirating ports 16 and 33'. The threads 47 formed in the base of the body 14' receive the threaded cap ring closure 51 and the aerator screen elements 44 and 22' are retained in parallel spaced apart relation in the threaded cavity adjacent the exit orifice 52 and transversely across the passage 30. An axial internal thread 53 is provided in the upper end of the sleeve 50 to provide a connection to a faucet. Different thread sizes in sleeves 50 provide for conversions to different threads on faucets of different design. Clamping connections may also be applied to couple the attachment 11' to a faucet.

In describing the FIGS. 5 and 6 prime numbers corresponding to those used in the description of FIG. 4 are used to simplify the description and the internal passage relationships as previously indicated.

A similar construction is shown in the FIGS. 7 and 8 and double prime reference numerals have been used to apply to corresponding previously described portions of the structure. The tapered sleeve 541i" is provided and the ring cap closure 51 is threadably engaged with the segments 24 and 23". The principal modification seen in the FIG. 7 is the provision of an auxiliary or supplemental flow passage 60 paralleling the principal passage 30 and commencing at the cavity 39" below the entry 40".

It will also be noted in the FIG. 7 construction that the drain opening 37 (FIG. 4) is eliminated by reason of the increased constriction in the lower part of the secondary passage 31 which occurs when the upper wall 34" of the passage 31" is dropped into closer proximity to the U-curve bottom portion of the secondary passage 31" and the protuberance 61 extends toward one of the opposite walls. Hence, the construction in FIG. 7 is self-aspirating.

The supplemental passage 60 merges with the principal passage 30 so that aspiration still occurs in the principal passage 30" and the air merges with the supplemental stream prior the admixture through the aerating screens 22 and 441'.

The restriction resulting from the wall 34" and protuberance 61 does not interfere with fountain flow through the secondary passage 31 when the aspirating opening 16" is closed, but upon reopening the aspirating opening 16" an almost instantaneous shut off is provided. Thus, restriction in the passage 31 reduces the necessity for the knife edge configuration 36 at the fountain port 35 as previously described the simple flair as described at the port 35" is adequate in avoidance of drip.

Throughout the description words connoting upper," lower" and outward" have reference to the devices of the present invention as oriented in the drawings and as the device is positioned in use on a faucet, for example, as shown.

In operation the drinking fountain aerator units thus described are easily secured to existing faucets and convert the faucets ondemand to a drinking fountain. No deformable or moving parts are involved in the transition flow and the change of flow direction requires merely the closing of a simple orifice or opening as by the finger. Cleaning is simple and the aerator capability of the device is good.

Having thus described the best and several operative embodiments of our invention others skilled in the art will readily perceive improvements and modifications therein and such improvements and modifications are intended to be included herein restricted only by the scope of our hereinafter appended claims.

We claim:

I. A drinking fountain attachment comprising a base element defining therethrough an axially disposed principal passage and a branch secondary passage which is radially and then upwardly, disposed from the axis of said base element, and flow diverting means including an aspirating port radially through said body and intersecting said principal passage at the connecting point to said secondary passage, whereby upon closure of said aspirating port a substantial portion of flow through said principal passage is directed through said secondary passage; and upon opening said aspirating port the flow is wholly redirected through said principal passage; and a second aspirating vent through said base element intersecting said principal passage opposite said aspirating port.

2. A drinking fountain attachment in accord with claim 1 which includes a plurality of spaced-apart aerator screen elements transversely across said principal passage and retained in said base element.

3. A drinking fountain attachment in accord with claim 2 in which said base element is split longitudinally and externally tapered; and an internally matingly tapered sleeve apertured as said base element and into which taper said base element is sealably retained.

4. A cylindrical base element having passages therethrough, the principal passage passing through said base member from top to bottom and a secondary passage intersecting said principal passage intermediate said top and bottom of said base element on one side of said principal passage; said secondary passage extending downwardly and then upwardly in a radial manner to exhaust from said base element, and flow diverting means including an aspirating port adjacent the intersection of said principal and secondary passages whereby upon closure of said aspirating port flow through said principal passage is partially diverted to enter said secondary passage and exit radially from said base element, and upon opening said aspirating port flow closes through said secondary passage; and a counter balancing port vented through said base element and intersecting said principal passage opposite said aspirating port.

5. A drinking fountain attachment for faucets comprising:

a cylindrical base element;

a threaded connector on said base element; a principal flow passage defined through said base element from top to bottom, said principal passage having a relatively uniform cross section and then widening to a belllike lower portion in an assymetric manner;

a secondary flow passage defined radially through said base element and intersecting said principal passage; and

a flow diverting means including a pair of aspirating passages radially through said base element, one aspirating passage intersecting said principal passage on one side and the other aspirating passage intersecting said principal passage on the other side thereof on the same side as said secondary passage but thereabove; said last mentioned aspirating passage, upon closure, causing flow through said principal passage to be diverted through said secondary passage.

6. A drinking fountain attachment in accord with claim 5 wherein said base element is tapered and split longitudinally and said passages are formed in one side thereof; and a sleeve having a mating internal taper into which taper said base element is retained.

7. A combination drinking fountain and aerator attachment for faucets comprising:

a base element internally channelled to define therethrough a generally axially oriented principal passage which progressively enlarges from top to bottom;

a generally U-shaped secondary passage radially intersecting said principal passage;

a constriction in said secondary passage adjacent the lowermost point therein;

an enlargement of said principal passageway adjacent the upper entry thereto;

a flow diverting means including a pair of opposed aspirating openings defined through said base element, one of said aspirating openings communicating with said principal passage above and on the side of said secondary passage and the other of said aspirating openings on the opposite side of said principal passage;

an aerating cavity in said base element through which said principal passage travels;

a plurality of aerating screen elements in spaced apart relation and axially across said principal passage in said aerating cavity; and

connecting means for securing said base element to a water source. 

1. A drinking fountain attachment comprising a base element defining therethrough an axially disposed principal passage and a branch secondary passage which is radially and then upwardly, disposed from the axis of said base element, and flow diverting means including an aspirating port radially through said body and intersecting said principal passage at the connecting point to said secondary passage, whereby upon closure of said aspirating port a substantial pOrtion of flow through said principal passage is directed through said secondary passage; and upon opening said aspirating port the flow is wholly redirected through said principal passage; and a second aspirating vent through said base element intersecting said principal passage opposite said aspirating port.
 2. A drinking fountain attachment in accord with claim 1 which includes a plurality of spaced-apart aerator screen elements transversely across said principal passage and retained in said base element.
 3. A drinking fountain attachment in accord with claim 2 in which said base element is split longitudinally and externally tapered; and an internally matingly tapered sleeve apertured as said base element and into which taper said base element is sealably retained.
 4. A cylindrical base element having passages therethrough, the principal passage passing through said base member from top to bottom and a secondary passage intersecting said principal passage intermediate said top and bottom of said base element on one side of said principal passage; said secondary passage extending downwardly and then upwardly in a radial manner to exhaust from said base element, and flow diverting means including an aspirating port adjacent the intersection of said principal and secondary passages whereby upon closure of said aspirating port flow through said principal passage is partially diverted to enter said secondary passage and exit radially from said base element, and upon opening said aspirating port flow closes through said secondary passage; and a counter balancing port vented through said base element and intersecting said principal passage opposite said aspirating port.
 5. A drinking fountain attachment for faucets comprising: a cylindrical base element; a threaded connector on said base element; a principal flow passage defined through said base element from top to bottom, said principal passage having a relatively uniform cross section and then widening to a bell-like lower portion in an assymetric manner; a secondary flow passage defined radially through said base element and intersecting said principal passage; and a flow diverting means including a pair of aspirating passages radially through said base element, one aspirating passage intersecting said principal passage on one side and the other aspirating passage intersecting said principal passage on the other side thereof on the same side as said secondary passage but thereabove; said last mentioned aspirating passage, upon closure, causing flow through said principal passage to be diverted through said secondary passage.
 6. A drinking fountain attachment in accord with claim 5 wherein said base element is tapered and split longitudinally and said passages are formed in one side thereof; and a sleeve having a mating internal taper into which taper said base element is retained.
 7. A combination drinking fountain and aerator attachment for faucets comprising: a base element internally channelled to define therethrough a generally axially oriented principal passage which progressively enlarges from top to bottom; a generally U-shaped secondary passage radially intersecting said principal passage; a constriction in said secondary passage adjacent the lowermost point therein; an enlargement of said principal passageway adjacent the upper entry thereto; a flow diverting means including a pair of opposed aspirating openings defined through said base element, one of said aspirating openings communicating with said principal passage above and on the side of said secondary passage and the other of said aspirating openings on the opposite side of said principal passage; an aerating cavity in said base element through which said principal passage travels; a plurality of aerating screen elements in spaced apart relation and axially across said principal passage in said aerating cavity; and connecting means for securing said base element to a water source. 